Q&A: Breastfeeding and medications.

Your questions answered

Your Question:
I have been started on a new medication for a long term medical problem that I have had since I was a child. I fear that the medication may pass in the breastmilk and cause problems for my baby. Do you have any suggestions?

My Answer:
Many medications can pass into the breastmilk. Some in larger quantities than others. Just how much of the medication is secreted into the breastmilk depends on characteristics of the medication itself.

Most medications prescribed for breastfeeding mothers either don't pass into the breastmilk or do so only in quantities much too small to cause any problems.

All medications would carry warnings on any known or hypothetical risks for babies or fetuses if they are taken during lactation or pregnancy. Safety of medications during pregnancy and lactation should be checked by prescribing doctor, especially when they are prescribed for pregnant or lactating women.

I would presume that your doctor whould have done the same. If you are not sure, or have concerns, I would suggest that you see the same doctor and have things clarified. The medication itself must be important enough for it to be prescribed, so it is best to get the clarification early so that you can either start to use it, or get alternative treatment started if safety is a concern.

There are so many different medications available these days that it is not humanly possible for doctors to remember, from the top of their heads, the safety of each one of them. For this reason, most drug (medication) index (guides) have lists of medications and their safety in pregnancy.

Q&A: Breastfeeding during pregnancy?

Your questions answered

Your Question:
I am still breastfeeding my first baby who is 1 year 1 month and I think I may be pregnant again! Is it safe for me to continue breastfeeding my first baby?

My Answer:
Yes, it is safe to continue breastfeeding your first child even if you are pregnant with your second. Breastfeeding can be continued safely during pregnancy. Mothers who chose to do so, should be encouraged and provided with assistance as required.

It is important to understand that because you are breastfeeding AND pregnant, your nutritional needs would be more this time around than during your previous pregnancy. This will have to be borne in mind and advise sought from your doctor as to how much increase of nutrition should be aimed at (for the extra required for lactation).

There used to be some concern that breastfeeding during pregnancy would lead to pregnancy complications like, miscarriage, premature delivery or reduced growth of the fetus. This is not true.

Please also note:

• After 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding babies need to be started on complimentary foods. Breastmilk alone is insufficient after 6 months of age. (Complimentary food does not mean other forms of milk!).
• WHO and UNICEF recommend that breastfeeding be continued upto 2 years and beyond.
• If your Obstetrician or doctor recommend that you stop breastfeeding on medical grounds, I would suggest you take that advise. In such cases I would also suggest that you clarify and understand exactly why you are advised to stop breastfeeding as this will be of much benefit.

Breastfeeding in the news.

This link was sent to me by email by a reader.

Breastfeeding may reduce a mothers risk of type 2 Diabetes (BBC)
Yes, I thought it was very interesting too. We are all waiting to see more conclusive research on the subject, but this is very encouraging.